How to get picture-perfect prom photos

Taking prom photos can be so AWKWARD. The stiff poses, the demanding parents, the antsy prom-goers.

Taking prom photos can be so AWKWARD. The stiff poses, the demanding parents, the antsy prom-goers.

Luckily, photographer Raya Al-Hashmi, who did our prom shoot for us, has these photo pointers to offer so parents can take their own picture-perfect prom photos:

"When I take prom photos I often think about if I was shooting a fun wedding. If you think about prom it is sort of a mini wedding for high-schoolers: we dress to the nines, get our makeup, hair, and nails done. We have to plan pre-prom and post-prom stuff, etc.

"I think about the celebration around prom, especially for seniors, it is a way to celebrate the crazy years of high school and acknowledge that this could be one of the last times everyone is together."

Raya's tips:

Try to make it fun, a mix of candid, posed, group, single, and couple shots. I encourage hugs, laughs, and sometimes you need to prompt people with questions, like "how did you guys meet? What's the best thing you have done together?" This will make people stop and think about it and typically force a smile on their faces. Props are super fun. Make a paper banner that reads, "Prom 2014" and have it strung across a backdrop or have the kids hold it in a group. Ask them to sign out 'prom' with their hands. Even if they can't, it's a fun process to watch and capture. Most importantly, if they are laughing then you're golden on photos. Have fun, direct, make suggestions — because if not, they will just stand there.

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